Inspiring by the difficulties that life brings, Bridges Anderson has written his first novel “Still In the Projects?” as an autobiography of his childhood times being a child in Opp.
There are a number of reasons Anderson picked the autobiography route as his debut book.
“I am a big fan of challenges as they help to grow and strengthen resiliency. A lot can be learned from struggles, such as self-awareness, humility, compassion and improvement and many more. Each one of these is an important step towards becoming an improved person and creating the foundation to succeed. From my early years and through life, I’ve seen people try to figure out my direction by trying to convince me or guide me in the direction I was supposed to take based on how my complexion. I tell those experiences in my book, but I kept my focus and pushed to overcome obstacles and made the most of my life circumstances,” he said.
According to Anderson his book, it details the good and bad and the unpleasant encounters he faced in the housing facilities of Opp and the surrounding community. “I realized that I’d suppressed memories, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to confront those painful events and experiences. This also lets me be able to share my good memories with my friends, family, and anyone else who wants to know more about my personal story.”
Being able to write a book was a source of great satisfaction and happiness to his.
“I am thankful for what I have and am fortunate to live in a nation in which I am able to explore new opportunities and set goals that I have had for myself. Although I might not enjoy the same opportunities as other but I am still able to make myself a better person and try to increase my knowledge and skills daily.”
The name came by his reflections about the past, and using his experiences as a source of inspiration.
“Living in the housing developments gave me strong morals. It gave me a solid base for my life in the present. Families who resided in the housing projects were similar in terms of social and economic status. If the family in crisis, all of us had to help. We all worked together to assist one another. I was taught at a young elementary age basic courtesies, such as “Yes ma’am, no ma’am, sir, not sir. It was my tradition to leave my seat to a female sitting in the front, and to respect those in the position of authority and to stay clear of getting involved with the justice system.” Anderson said.
He also said that he saw his father working three jobs, however there was not enough money to pay for a tiny apartment. The integration process at Opp City Schools was something which he was also witness to. These are also part of his tale. “Those values that I was taught are deeply embedded in me and form a significant element of my daily life. I am grateful for my childhood’s mistakes, disappointments and struggles with creating my character and helping me become more of a person.”
Anderson’s intentions with the book is to spark conversations and perhaps exchange stories.
“I hope that it can ignite the desire of others to look back on their lives and write down their life story. In our lives we replay our experiences. My personal favorite player has to be Michael Jordan. When he was a freshman at university, Jordan played with North Carolina and was a participant in the national championships against Georgetown. His shot in the final minute brought Carolina up and they would go on to win the match. I’m sure that match and that shot will remain forever etched into his memory,” he said.
The author hopes that the characters let readers recall and reflect upon their memories and experiences. He hopes the content will be an inspiration for others.
“I would like people to examine the good, bad, and the ugly, and consider these experiences as an opportunity to be better and better. Whatever big or insignificant our personal experiences, there’s always an possibility to learn and improve. I want people to be aware that a address is not a defining factor for the person you are or what you could become.”
As a person who is passionate about people, he is blessed to have so many people around in his journey.
“I want to recite ‘Still In the Projects to send an inspirational and powerful message to the people who pushed me to attend college, to think big and to be a blessing to others and, most important of all, to put God first. For all of them who encouraged me, I wish you the best in the years to be,” Anderson said.
The book is available to purchase via an online link that is at the Bridges D Anderson Facebook page. He is currently working on an improved method for customers to purchase the book and plans to host an event to sign the book in Andalusia.
Anderson expressed gratitude to a few people for their help in making his debut book a reality.
“My credit goes to God as well as my family and my friends, particularly the families I was raised in the housing developments in Opp as well as in Andalusia. Opp in the Opp and Andalusia communities. I am grateful to Opp City Schools, the LBWCC Upward Bound Program, and the residents from Andalusia for taking part in my journey. Special thanks go to Dr. Patricia Williams Shuford who helped me through the process of editing and marketing, as in Deborah Robinson with Rankin Publishing Company,” he said.
He is the current head boys’ and girls basketball instructor in McKenzie High School and serves as a member of the City of Andalusia’s Utilities Board. The wife of his, Cassandra has been appointed the director for Straughn Middle School.
Anderson is scheduled to sign copies of the book on Sunday on April 30 between 2 and 4. p.m. on the Andalusia Public Library. The books will be available to purchase.
The story Anderson shares his lessons from growing up in Opp through his autobiography was published first in The Andalusia Star-News.
